Chapter Five: The Price of Fame
"Where are you? I know you're in here! Come on, show me your fa—"
"What's all this racket about, my dear?"
Gisella glared at the blond man before her, tempted to knock out every single tooth in his perfect, white grin. In fact, if she was sure that he wouldn't sue her for assault, or have the Ministry arrest her for her folly, than she definitely would. Fixing him with her fierce gaze, she balled her fists by her side.
"You know very well what this is about. He's dead! Michael is dead!" she said through gritted teeth.
"Oh, I take it that our plan worked then? Good, I haven't got around to reading the papers yet."
Gisella stamped her foot, causing the man to take a step back. "Our plan? You mean your plan! Why didn't you warn me this would happen? I've lost everything now."
The man shook his head, holding up a hand. "No, my dear," he corrected, meeting her gaze, "you have gained everything you desired. Wealth, fame; there is still so much more. Do not pretend that you didn't know this was going to happen."
She opened her mouth to argue back, but rapidly closed it. Deep down, she knew he was right.
"Come, sit down, I have something to show you," Gilderoy said, stepping forward and taking her arm.
Despite digging her heels into the carpet, he was able to pull her along to the purple sofa. Pushing her into its soft base, he sat beside her and waved his wand. A small, brown paper package came soaring towards them and plopped into his lap.
"Shall I open it, or would you like the honours?" he asked, a wide grin on his face.
Gisella folded her arms, glaring as venomously as she could at the man. He shrugged his shoulders and ripped open the paper. Taking out a thick, indigo coloured book, he held it up so she could see the cover. On the front, Gilderoy smiled up at her, and from over his shoulder, she could see herself—at least she thought it was her, the dark-haired woman was almost unrecognisable covered in makeup—doing the same. Funny, she didn't feel like smiling now.
What stood out to her most, however, was the title of the book: Gaddling with Ghouls.
"I was right; my publishers did read the article last week. I suppose, though, they might've been swayed by the extra information I was able to get," he continued, nudging her shoulder.
Gisella pushed him away, yelling, "You're nothing but a fraud, Gilderoy! A fraud! I demand you cancel this, right this minute."
"Can't. Copies are already on their way to the shops—why, even Flourish and Blotts have already had several pre-orders."
Standing up, Gisella glared at him. "I will expose you for what you have done!" she said, spinning around and storming to the door.
Unfortunately, Gilderoy's next words stopped her in her tracks. "Careful, my dear. You expose me, and I will expose you. We did this together."
Swinging around, she narrowed her eyes.
"That's right, I didn't give him the poison, did I? You forget, dear, that you and I are the same."
"We are not the same!"
"Oh, but we are. Now, be a good girl and come sit by me," he said, patting the spot next to him. "We have to discuss the modelling opportunities this has opened up for you, let alone all the men that are going to be after your heart."
Gisella remained rooted to the spot, seething. As if she would ever consider conducting more business with this fraud. Gilderoy raised his eyebrows, a smirk upon his face.
"Now that your husband is gone, you're going to need to start earning some money. Assuming you want to support that delightful son of yours." He drummed his fingers against the arm of the sofa, his smirk increasing.
With her eyes cast downwards, she walked over to him. Closing her eyes as she sat down, she shut out Gilderoy's gloating face.
Yes, Gilderoy was right. Even if their motives were different, when the sun set and darkness overcame the world, they were the same.
A/N: Well, this is the conclusion to the short story. Thank you to those who have read it, and to anyone who takes the time to review in the future. Another fairy tale of sorts done :)